LaLiga: Barcelona captain Raphinha equals Messi’s record

Barcelona captain Raphinha has matched a LaLiga record previously achieved only by the club’s legendary forward Lionel Messi.

The Brazil international scored Barcelona’s third goal in the 50th minute of their 5-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday.

Raphinha’s strike was his sixth LaLiga goal of the season after just four matches, putting him in an exclusive group with Messi.

The Brazilian is now only the second player this century to score at least six goals in each of his first four LaLiga appearances of a season.

Messi remains ahead of Raphinha, having achieved the feat in two consecutive seasons, 2012–13 and 2013–14.

Raphinha has made a strong start to the new campaign and will now hope to continue his goalscoring form when Barcelona return to Champions League action.

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Barcelona face Feyenoord on Wednesday, with Raphinha expected to lead the team as captain and look to add to his impressive tally.